Getting Started with MicroMod

Contributors:

Nate

Hardware Hookup

Below are the steps to connect your MicroMod boards together!

Connecting a Processor to a Carrier Board

To get started with MicroMod, you'll need a processor board as well as a carrier board. Here we are using the Artemis MicroMod Processor Board with the Machine Learning Carrier Board. Align the top key of the MicroMod Artemis Processor Board to the screw terminal of the Machine Learning Carrier Board and angle the board into the socket. Insert the board at an angle into the M.2 connector.

Note: There is no way to insert the processor backward since the key prevents it from mating with the M.2 connector and as an extra safeguard to prevent inserting a processor that matches the key, the mounting screw is offset so you will not be able to secure an improperly connected processor board.

Processor inserted into the Carrier Board M2 Slot

The Processor Board will stick up at an angle (at around 25°), as seen here:

MicroMod Processor Board inserted into the carrier board

Once the board in the socket, gently hold the MicroMod Processor Board down and tighten the screw with a Phillip's head. We recommend the classic SparkFun reversible mini-screw driver, MicroMod Screwdriver, or the fancier pocket screw driver set but any #00, #0, or #1 Phillip's head driver will work.

Once the board is secure, your assembled MicroMod system should look similar to the image below!

Top down image of Machine Learning Carrier Board with Artemis Processor board inserted correctly

Note: If you've never connected an CH340 device to your computer before, you may need to install drivers for the USB-to-serial converter. Check out our section on How to Install CH340 Drivers" for help with the installation.

Connecting a Function Board to a Main Board

For those going the modular route with a Main Board, you will need a Processor and Function Board. The steps are similar to connecting a processor to a regular carrier board as explained above. Insert a Processor Board into the M.2 connector labeled as "Processor" at an angle of around 25°. Then secure the board using a Phillip's Head. Again, we recommend the classic SparkFun reversible mini-screw driver or the fancier pocket screw driver set but any #00, #0, or #1 Phillip's head driver will work.


Processor Board Inserted at Angle	Processor Board Being Secured

Then insert the Function Board at an angle (at around 25°) to the M.2 Connector labeled as "Function Zero" just like a Processor Board.

Once the board is in the socket, gently push down the MicroMod Function Board against the Main Board. Hold the Function board against the M.2 connector in place with your index finger and thumb. Then tighten one screw with a Phillip's head just enough to hold it in place. You'll want to avoid tightening the screw fully.

Add First Screw on Function Board to Hold in Place

While still holding the Function Board in place, tighten the second screw on the other side to hold it in place. Go back and tighten both screws fully to ensure that the board is evenly held down.

Securing MicroMod Main, Processor, and Function Board

Once the boards are secure, your assembled MicroMod system should look similar to the image below!

If you have a MicroMod Main Board - Double, the steps are the same as the Main Board - Single. The steps are similar to connecting a Processor and Function Board as explained above. Insert both Function Boards at an angle of around 25°.

Note: The tolerance is tight with both PCBs next together and you may have the Function Boards pushing up against each other when they are in the socket. You may need to use sand paper or file down the edges from the panelization of the PCBs so that the boards are flush.

Gently push down one of the Function Boards against the Main Board - Double. Hold the Function Board against the M.2 connector in place with your index finger and thumb. Then tighten one of the screws (avoid the middle screw between the two Function Boards) with a Phillip's head just enough to hold it in place. You'll want to avoid tightening the screw fully.

Hold Down One of the Function Boards and Screw It In

Gently push down the other Function Board against the Main Board - Double. Hold the Function Board in place while ensuring both boards are flush. Then tighten one of the screws (avoid the middle screw between the two Function Boards) with a Phillip's head just enough to hold it in place. You'll want to avoid tightening the screw fully

Hold Down the Other Function Board and Screw It In

Tighten the middle screw while holding both Function Boards down. Go back and tighten all three screws fully to ensure that the boards is evenly held down.